Walked in at 7:30 on Wednesday. Bartender jumped up off of couch surprised to see anyone. We were gonna chill anyway. She was less than help. We asked for recommendations. She made us feel like leaving. All we wanted was to drink a few cool cocktails. Server at Brennan's told us this was a cool place. Headed back to tell her it isn't. read more

The most press Meta ever got was for selling $10 Pappy Van Winkle Jell-O shots. The more I think about that particular stunt, the more I think it appropriately relates the actual vibe of Meta -- specialty cocktails, dressed down, and no sacred cows. If you come here, it's for the somewhat pricey (for Louisville) cocktails, each of which takes several minutes to describe, let alone mix. It's super dark inside, but it's also very comfortable. Welcoming - even friendly - with a decided lack of pretension. Girls' night out clubbing? 8-Up might be tops on your list, but you wouldn't get turned away here either. These drink geeks will probably steer you right. read more

Nice small bar in downtown Louisville. It s next to a Strip club. They have s good selection of beers and mixed drinks. Only down side was on a Friday night it was very loud. And going outside not much room outside either. I suggest u try it and see what u think read more

Meta - A cider similar to Angry orchard - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

I miss Meta. This was a popular hangout spot for my friends and me, before I moved. It's off the beaten path downtown, and it's pretty small inside. There are some tables and comfy chairs to sit in, but I always sat at the bar. It's always dark in there--they keep the lights pretty low for ambience. Despite the atmosphere and the drink prices, I've never felt the need to dress up to go here. It's a pretty chill and accepting spot, and seems to be popular for other people in the food industry looking for a drink after work. The cocktails are delicious. They aren't cheap, but you can tell by the time and effort that gets put into making them that the employees really care about their craft. If you don't know what you want, their bartenders make excellent suggestions based on what you usually go for. Meta used to offer some small apps to eat with your drinks (like the pimento cheese pictured below), but I don't know if they do anymore. Highly recommend for good craft cocktails! read more

Meta - Pimento cheese snack. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

See all

Rude service, draft beer was warm, bartender did not check back in ever despite the fact they were not busy, would not recommend

Stopped here on our way back to the car after the concert. Neat bar, I was expecting it to look divey instead, it was very metro and a modern feels, beautiful bar top and minimal decor with a bit of flash. Not a lot craft beer selections and we weren't keen on any of the drink specials. So we didn't order anything, but the bartender was nice and informative. read more

Meta - Half of the bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Stopped by last night for a cocktail and were served by Dre, great cocktails and very nice bartender. Went back again tonight and had the opposite experience, very unfriendly bartender....did not get her name, but won't be going back. read more

What delicious hand-crafted cocktails and unique atmosphere. If the drinks weren't so expensive or I just had more money to spend on booze- I would give it 5 stars and be a regular. Yes Meta is "hipster" but it also reminds of the post-prohibition era when handcrafted libations were flowing and the people were out celebrating life with their pinkies in the air. Speaking of "pinkies in the air" the first drink I ordered was called "Pinkies Out." A refreshing, slightly sweet drink comprised of sparkling wine, lemongrass and sage. The next cocktail I tried was the bartender's specialty. I cannot recall the name of it as it was not on their" normal" list but it was stronger and delicious. It had macerated cherries that were incredible. The owner and bartender- Jeremy was very friendly and welcoming. He made great recommendations! You can expect to spend between $10-$15 per cocktail, however, there are some specials on various nights. On Thursday evenings Meta does a "reverse" happy hour from 8-12 with 1/2 price bottles of wine and live music. woo-hoo! read more

Meta - Pinkies out - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

I love bourbon. I love bars that have a good selection of bourbon. I also love bars that make good craft cocktails with or without bourbon in them. That is a good way to describe this place. It does have a speakeasy hipster feel to it, but the ambiance was perfect for my friends and I to talk about our first week back at school. We actually commented on how the music was the perfect volume. I also love the concept of the drink menu. They've taken classic cocktails and added their own spin onto them. The menu reflects those changes but still gives you the option to order the classic drink! If you are looking to try some good craft drinks, a bourbon you haven't tried before, or just want a place to talk with friends, check this place out! read more

Meta - The High Pant and Secret Handshake - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

This is a hot spot for fancy and tasty cocktails as well as good music. Every time I have been they have had a dj spinning some tunes. It's always been Matt Anthony when I am there. The lighting is another key point in making Meta a perfect place to sit and chill with a drink and some music. It's low, but not so low that you have to squint your eyes to make out other people across the bar. Not a lot of seating room, but a fair amount of standing room and counter/bar space too. The floor is a reason to at least walk in. I would like to keep it a secret to all who haven't been...but it's so interesting I have to just tell you. The floor is covered in pennies, and then lacquered on top to make a smooth surface. Go see it for yourself! Just remember that they don't really have food (though there was once popcorn and the last time they had a few bags of Dirty potato chips hanging at the bar). The drinks are strong so eat beforehand. They only have a handful of wines available and a fair sized list of beers on tap. Focus on the cocktails. They are fun! Meta has an atmosphere unlike any other place in Louisville. Go have a peek and a drink for yourself. read more

The ambiance is perfect for a chill night with crafty cocktails. Unless its super packed when they have an event going on (they have DJs on the weekends sometimes for events, I think). I like how they list the classic cocktails under their own cocktails that are similar. Bartenders are always cool; in a way they dont try to suck up to you by being 'fake' nice. But they are friendly and very knowledgable in their field. Definitely, suggest it for people who are looking to have a chill night with friends catching up and such. PS. they offer discount for the restaurant industry customers. read more

Meta - Papi Chulo - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

This place is dark and they have pennies glued everywhere. It's kind of unique atmosphere for a bar and they also feature classic drinks right next to their take on the drink. You can get the classics done well any many bars in town so might as well live it up and try their versions since well you're here, right? Drinks are pricey here but they use top notch stuff and take their time to do them just right. One annoying thing is that for a nicer bar they don't have waiter service for the tables. You might be at a table since they're crowded and you won't want to carry your precious $10 beverage across the crowded bar like it's a $2 Natty Light in a red Solo cup at the college bar. Also, a bit too many annoying, pretentious hipsters but far less than DC so I can deal. Interesting drinks and a unique bar, I enjoyed this place and would come back. read more

Meta is on my short list of must-visit spots whenever I'm in Louisville. The staff are amazing, the service is phenomenal, and the bill of fare is outstanding. They're doing the best they can with the opportunities available and should be commended. read more

Nice cool place to go grab a drink after work. They have a huge selection and nicely designed bar. It is low light bar which for me was a plus to relax after long day. As only coming during the weekdays I'm not sure what the weekends look like but weekdays aren't packed which again is a nice feature. read more

Meta - Never have I ever - it's a amazing drink for bourbon lovers - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

First bar we visited in Louisville and I must say it was my favorite! Possibly my entire group's favorite. We're from San Francisco and we have seen our fair share of over hyped, over priced, and crowded bars. Meta was a congenial beginning to our trip. The cocktails were creatively crafted and the ambience was chill with a talented live DJ. He played nostalgic RnB and hip-hop music. It wasn't too crowded-thank god, nor loud, so we were able to enjoy our drinks and converse amongst ourselves. read more

I'd heard that this was one of THE bars I needed to check out. Meta turned out to be a great visit, but I don't know that I would be a regular. The drinks are all original takes on classic cocktails. It is easy to choose something that you like if you know what you like since there are little arrows on the menu pointing from their concoction's name to the traditional beverage. The couple that I tried were extremely tasty! The room is small and can get pretty loud when the DJ starts up. There is a definite change in temperature from the bar to the booths near the windows. Definitely more comfortable at the bar. Overall, I dug the pennies on the floor, the general vibe and all, but it felt a little like people were there getting ready to go somewhere else. read more

I seriously LOVE this Bar!! The drinks are fantastic the staff is amazing the ambience is exactly what you want when you're trying to relax have drinks with friends and just really chill out it's the perfect place for a gathering but also good place to just come and have a drink by yourself. I strongly encourage you to come by Meta!! read more

Dope bar. Dope people. Trying their hardest to keep guests safe while providing dope service.

This is one of my favorite bars in Louisville. It has a very creative cocktail menu, and if your not the adventurous type it's okay by have all the classics and beer. The bartenders are very knowledgeable and skilled at making balanced and scrumptious drinks. read more

Meta - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Sweet spot for a drink with friends, a drink with your lover, a drink before a show... Parking is scarce on street so there is the option to pay $6 to park beside Meta in the parking lot. Not bad. When you enter, you may notice how dark it is- it has a very intimate and cozy feel with an edge. I love the prohibition vibe it yields, and the floor is incredibly cool. What I loved about this place though, was the cool factor the gals behind the bar presented. I can't wait to go back soon. read more

I really enjoy Meta. Meta is a downtown institution that specializes in craft and classic cocktails. Drinks are served in an upscale setting with vintage-inspired decor. To quote a Thrillst article, "Meta is a wonderful world of contrasts -- a marble-barred, copper-penny-floored temple of swank drinking lodged next to a strip club." My favorite part of the Meta experience is that cocktails are served in vintage stemware. The bartender on duty that night told me that they constantly shop for pieces at antique stores and malls. That adds a facet of character that cannot go without note. Price points is roughly $10 for a craft cocktail. It's worth it. read more

I came here on a recommendation from a friend, the drinks were fantastic. The first time I came, the bartender was solo, she was busy and hustling despite some not so understanding customers. She was extremely professional. My second visit was a little more chill, the bar staff was dressed up for Halloween, and (I never got her name) the bartender filled my friend and me in on some spooky stories, history of the location and showed us a painting of a possible forever guest, I thought that was really cool of her. Can't wait to go back! read more

You can catch a buzz just about anywhere in Louisville, but the fortunate drink with friends. Last week we made a new friend Amy, our master bartender who also has a heart of gold. While she made us our delicious drinks (a show in itself) and engaged us with things to check out while we were in town. She even sat down after her shift to write these places down for us. Me and my friend are dumb and we accidentally left the sheet there. We felt so terrible because she was so nice that we walked all the way back to get it. Amy, thank you! Your kindness definitely made our trip one to remember! read more

Meta - A genuine talent - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

I'm resisting the urge to give a third star here (sometimes I think I have way too much guilt to be a serious yelper!), but I have to go with my gut. I understand and believe it is worth factoring into a score that a venue's value to Louisville is relative--and this bar has more going for it than most, because it's a pretty hip cocktail bar with a unique and carefully realized artistic vision. It's not one of the bars that could disappear without making the rainbow a little less multi-colored. So why the two stars? Let's talk about the good and then I'll explain why. -The interior is unique, cool, and "artful." Little touches like the labels on the bathroom doors "Standing" and "Sitting" are especially artful, and I will venture that they're more significant than imagined at first glance. It's going to impact your noodle with a little shake, or subtly make you cock your head in a certain way that the average human needs a lot more than an abrasive conversation about how to explicitly gender our bathrooms or not. This sort of thing adds something really special. -The cocktail names themselves are similarly inspired. -the people who were here were largely "hip" (attractive, extremely well dressed, clearly trying to look cool...) -I don't care about the "six months researched in Chicago" and whatever is supposed to be so authentically classic or historical and all that stuff, but some people maybe do and that's great. -Frankly the DJ here felt out of place to me, and I would have far further enjoyed the ambience without one, but I'm not marking down for this as it's my own damn fault for coming on DJ night or whatever... So why the poor review? At the end of the day, this is a COCKTAIL bar, and if the cocktails aren't good (and they damn well better be, at a price range of $10 to to $15, though more closer to 10), then what does all the well-executed ancillary stuff accomplish? Now, you might try to tell me that my pallette simply isn't sophisticated enough to appreciate the nuance of the umami syrup in my Sayonara Muchachos (probably not the best example since this was the only cocktail I had that I felt fine about, but) I'm going to call bullshit. I've lived outside Los Angeles, in Manhattan proper, and do a lot of drinking, so I can tell you I have ordered more than my fair share of "inspired" "original" 10 to 15 dollar cocktails from a broad spectrum of venues that span the range from "classic with a slight twist," to "downright strange" and I'm not often disappointed. I tried FIVE cocktails here, and maybe it was an off-night for the bartenders, or maybe if the hands of fate had guided me toward other drink options I'd be writing a different review (I must say, the "deviations" really pull from the elegance of the bar menu in my opinion, and their lack of explanation couched against a fully explained "parent" cocktail seems like poor design to me). But I wasn't throwing darts with a blindfold on, I was going after the cocktails that "should" be tailored to what I like. Anything "fine" "fancy" and "original" in the alcohol world has a high chance of psychosomatically convincing people that they like it even if it's crap, so I feel it's my duty to call out here and say: at the end of the day--your tongue knows if it tastes good and if the flavors harmonize or not. I wish this place was what I wanted it to be, but I felt like I wasted my money. read more

I stumbled upon Meta after searching for a bar that wasn't country themed and was within walking distance to my hotel in downtown Louisville. There have been an influx of "speakeasy" style bars opening in metro Detroit, so I knew what to expect as far as the drink menu and concoctions were concerned. For a cocktail lounge/bar, the interior was somewhat disappointing in that there were too few personalized seating areas and a lot of open, dead space. The floors are covered in pennies so be sure to look down. The drink menu was okay and was to be expected. I ordered a concoction with Sipsmith gin, which I was surprised to find in the States - the drink tasted good but was weak on the alcohol. My husband got a pour of whiskey, which he liked but felt it was a very light pour. There was a live DJ, which helped with the ambiance. The overall feel is very hipster, but not in the least bit chic. The bathrooms, as another reviewer pointed out, are not sufficient to handle any volume of more than five customers. The floors were wet the entire night and the trash was full, and this was when the place was pretty empty on a Friday evening. I could not imagine how nasty the bathrooms would be if the crowd was heavy. Anyhow, I did enjoy hanging out at Meta. It's not a place that I would choose to spend hours hanging out at, but it would suffice for a nightcap or a pre-dinner drink. read more

Love the cocktails. Lemon drop ginger shot is amazing. Atmosphere is great, crowd is always lovely, bartenders are super sweet. Love this place. read more

I wish I knew the bartenders name but I had a great experience last night! About 9 of us come in like a tornado since it had been so long since seeing each other. Meta was pretty quiet with other customers and I felt bad for being a bit louder. The bartender assured me it was fine and said "you can be lively!" He even brought chairs over to us. The drinks were excellent, the service was welcoming and the atmosphere was unique. Highly recommend!!! read more

Incredible cocktails and the attached liquor store is great! The store tender there got us a taste of the special knob creek bourbon they had for sale! She was also super knowledgeable! Bartender was stellar and super easy to converse with! Definitely recommend read more

Meta is so meta, is so meta.. and the echo chamber continues. I get it the space is cool, the drink names collapse unto themselves they are so meta, which I enjoyed for a few minutes but for what I look for in a bar, this place was lacking. The music the DJ played the night we went was off, which I'm sure varies. They ran out of the tequila for the specialty tequila cocktail ordered, so they substituted, and it wasn't tasty. Tried another, still not a good cocktail. I switched to draft craft cider for fear of wasting more money on drinks we were only able to taste and not finish. Meh. I've experienced better is absolutely right. Drinks: 3/5 - draft craft list looked promising and actually delivered. Signature cocktails did not. Service: 4/5 Place: 4/5 - cool vibe, couches, bar. read more

I never would have expected such a dark, moody and cool place this close to 4th Street... especially being next to a strip joint. But, that's the way Louisville is rolling these days. I'm just going with it. After being home for a longer time than I had planned for, I started jonesing for a cocktail. I love beer and tend to drink wine when with friends (at their houses) but if I'm going out for a drink, I like to see some skill involved in giving it to me. After rooting around on Los Jelps, I was pleased as punch to find a craft cocktail bar Downtown. We parked in the lot, laughed at the strip club, checked out to food truck outside, and walked in. The crowd was a hipster as you might imagine but these were tame hipsters; no aggression. My friend and I bellied up to the bar and as we looked over the menu (most everything is $10), we noticed how cool the interior was. Nothing was overdone but the space fit the purpose of a craft cocktail bar (not lounge) pretty spot on. I started with the appropriately-named Opening Salvo. Whiskey (I *am* moving to TN), chartreuse, grapefruit syrup, and lime. Don't be fooled by the pretty ingredients, the whiskey has a punch and the bartenders have heavy hands. The drink was fantastic. Even though it was packed with booze, it was balanced, fragrant and extremely tasty. I could have sipped on these all night long. But... that wasn't to be. I spied the Bikini Punch almost as soon as I looked at the menu. I'd seen others drink it. It was brightly colored. I tried. Oh, I tried... but everything in me cried out to have it. I sheepishly told the bartender of my desire. She laughed and warned me that it was VERY alcoholic. Her suggestion: a few pints of water served with the drink to dilute the effect. Done. After a short while, I had a goblet of Haitian rum, secret sauce, BLUEBERRY ceylon, PINEAPPLE, lime, sugar, and bitters. I regretted nothing. It was every bit as delicious as I had built up in my head. I'd do it again. Gladly. In fact, I'd do it all again. Craft cocktails look good on ya, Louisville. Keep it up. read more

Like many places, in Louisville, I don't feel cool enough to go here, but that sure won't stop me from going here and loving it! The bartenders are great, the décor is great (pennies everywhere) The drink (or at least the few I had...the name fails me...a bikini something I think it was) was made strong. I will for sure be back here for some more tasty drinks read more

I've been to Meta for drinks after work with friends, and it's a great place to do that. I've tried several cocktails from the menu, and all of them were alright with me. I enjoyed the cocktails containing absinthe, as it's one of my favorites. The space is small, but pretty cool (the floor is covered in pennies). Overall I think this is a nice place to meet up for a couple unique cocktails before heading out for the rest of your evening. read more

See all

I sure do hope that a place like this is marketing itself well. It could easily draw a great out of towners crowd. Perhaps some guys or gals on a bachelor/bachelorette party that want to start of their night (or end, it closes at 4am, what!?) with some classy cocktails and a very chill atmosphere. Not sure how the crowd is these days, but the few times we went it was perfectly full but not overcrowded. Drinks were prompt, well made, and pretty fancy. Plus now that I know it opens at 4:30, I'm going to have to make this a post-work happy hour place! On a side and totally related note, I'm so pleased to see these cocktail type places pop up downtown, it is keeping the area hip to my jive. read more

This place is VERY (dare I say the word...) hipster. How so? Well for starters, they were playing old black and white films on the wall all Saturday night. Wednesday nights are "Wu Tang Wednesdays." The DJ was playing soul music after midnight while we were there. The list goes on... So the location of this place isn't exactly convenient, but it's a great place to start the night on a weekend or to head after work on a weekday. The inside is relatively small but didn't seem too cramped on a Friday night. As others have mentioned, take a look at the penny-covered floor- very cool. I ordered a Dead Hemingways. First because he's my favorite writer and second because it sounded delicious. I loved this drink and would definitely get it again. Be ware, however, it has a strong black licorice scent and tastes like it a bit, as well. If you're looking for a bar to sit with a couple friends and chat over some unique (and slightly expensive) cocktails, this is a good place to be. read more

Went here based on yelp recommendation. First I thought the location was bad. Walked here from Main, which was a hike. A lot of cool bars on main. Nothing really around this place execpt the strip club next door. Plenty of riff raff going on, and some guy threatening to shoot another before I came in. Should of had security outside. I definitely didn't feel safe. Guess I can't blame the bouncer for chilling inside and not outside. There was a woman in her forties drunk out of her mind. Kept trying to talk to my group and a group next to me, asking my girl friend if she was a lesbian. Went on about something about her husband cheating with a woman who wasn't in their swingers group. She tried to walk out the glass wall but fell back. Bouncer finally kicked her out I think, or on her own accord, either way it wasn't soon enough. Drinks were awful. I was really looking forward to trying what they had. Especially based on the reviews. They looked interesting, but tasted terrible. I like scotch on the rocks, and can drink about anything but could not finish the high pants, it was awful. I regularly make my girlfriend bourbon and champagne drinks. They didn't have any champagne cocktails, but bartender offered to improvise. She seemed confident, but it came out terrible twice. Part of my group ordered beer and said they weren't cold. Naked women/60s go go girls dancing on an over head projector was kind of cool, but probably not appropriate with my mother in the group. Music too loud. Appropriate for young college crowd. Confusing when combined with pricey mixed drinks, I would think the crowd this drink selection is made to appeal to wouldn't have music so loud. You can't even chat without yelling. Maybe college kids love $10+ drinks located in the outskirts of town. Table sticky. Should of been someone cleaning up or wiping things occasionally. Nothing for the hour we were at this place. After the bad experience I left no tip on my four drinks. I then find out they added a tip. Only a few dollars but still. Fraud is fraud. I'd give this place negative stars if possible. read more

When I first discovered Meta, I liked it. I was new to the legal-drinking world and thought the drinks were so cool. I have to say though now, it isn't a spot I frequent. The ambiance is really neat although sometimes it feels a bit too dark and can be quite loud with a DJ in such a small place - the penny tile floor is so unique and fun though. Seating is limited, parking is limited and you can barely read the menus inside without shining your phone on them. The drinks are a bit overpriced. I guess if you want a fancy cocktail, then maybe you mind less about the price, but in my opinion I can go elsewhere to a location much more convenient for me and drink just as well for likely much less. The bar is located next a strip club and on more than one occasion I have heard or seen people screaming at other people outside. The location isn't somewhere I really feel safe standing outside of and for that I knock out another star. read more

A great place to get a proper cocktail! While it may be more pricey than some other bars, it's totally worth it. Bartenders are experienced and the non-booze ingredients are fresh. Vibe is chill. read more

Meta - PROPER cocktails... - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

The cocktails are great, especially the horse bite. Great atmosphere and decorated with gorgeous wallpaper. A worthy addition to downtown. read more

Meta - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

See all

First Impression! I will have to head back to Meta when they are past their soft opening. Although the vibe was speakeasy, the staff friendly, and the crowd chillax we heard a lot of will be, might be, could be going on. Apparently, they are missing syrups from France and other specialty menu items to exhibit their full menu. I ordered off the 8 cocktails listed and asked for a Side Car. I was lucky on a Thursday night that someone behind this fancy bar knew how to make this classic drink since our server had no idea. I was a little shocked that not all the staff is as well versed in classic cocktails, for a high end cocktail bar, if the drink is not listed on the menu. Anecdote is that all the members of the staff helped create the penny lacquered floor. However, the rest of the stories were about the future of this high end bar. I will have to save my extra stars for when I experience this place as the owner dreamed of it versus the unwanted Christmas gift vibe I got. read more

Amazing, specialty cocktails, from bartenders who really know what they're doing! Great, speakeasy style, with good music and a chill vibe. Convenient, downtown location, with a lot of street parking, in the area! read more